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Indonesian Anti-Corruption Group Challenges KPK Decision to Halt Mining Permit Investigation
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Indonesia’s efforts to combat corruption face renewed scrutiny as the Indonesian Anti-Corruption Society (MAKI) expresses strong opposition to the Corruption Eradication Commission’s (KPK) decision to suspend the investigation into an alleged corruption case involving mining permits in North Konawe. MAKI is now seeking intervention from the Attorney General’s Office and preparing a legal challenge to overturn the KPK’s ruling.
MAKI Coordinator Boyamin Saiman voiced frustration over the KPK’s move, stating, “I regret the termination because it has been announced that the suspect was even suspected of accepting bribes.” Saiman confirmed to journalists on Sunday, December 28, 2025, that a formal request has been submitted to the Attorney General’s Office, urging them to reopen the investigation. “I have sent a letter to the Attorney General’s office to handle this case, to start a new investigation or start a new handling by sending a letter,” he added.
Beyond a direct appeal to the Attorney General’s Office, MAKI intends to pursue a pre-trial lawsuit aimed at nullifying the suspension. Saiman indicated a willingness to postpone the pre-trial proceedings if the Attorney General’s Office acts swiftly on the case.
KPK Halts Investigation Citing Insufficient Evidence
The KPK issued an order to halt the investigation – known as a Surat Penghentian Penyidikan (SP3) – in a case perhaps involving state losses of IDR 2.7 trillion (approximately $175 million USD). KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo explained that the alleged corruption dates back to 2009,and despite identifying a suspect in 2017,investigators were unable to gather sufficient evidence to proceed.
“That the case date was in 2009 and after conducting an in-depth investigation at the investigation stage, sufficient evidence was not found,” Prasetyo stated. He emphasized that the SP3 was issued to ensure legal certainty and that the KPK remains receptive to any new facts related to the case.
The KPK’s authority to issue SP3 orders stems from a revision of the KPK Law in 2019,specifically Article 40 of Law 19/2019. This legal change has drawn criticism from anti-corruption advocates who fear it could hinder the pursuit of justice in complex corruption cases.
Case Background: Former Regent Named as Suspect
The case initially gained public attention on October 3, 2017, when the KPK named Aswad Sulaiman, the former North Konawe Regent, as a suspect. At the time, Saut Situmorang, then Deputy Chairman of the KPK, announced the allegations, stating, “Determining ASW (Aswad Sulaiman) as a suspect.”
Situmorang further asserted that the potential state losses in this case exceeded those associated with the widely publicized e-KTP (electronic identity card) scandal. He attributed the losses to the illicit sale of nickel production obtained through an unlawful licensing process. “Indications are that state losses of at least IDR 2.7 trillion came from the sale of nickel production, wich was allegedly obtained from an unlawful licensing process,” Situmorang explained.
The decision to halt the investigation raises concerns about the effectiveness of Indonesia’s anti-corruption efforts and the potential for high-profile cases to stall due to evidentiary challenges or legal loopholes.The coming weeks will be critical as MAKI pursues its legal challenges and the Attorney General’s office considers whether to in
